Monday, September 1, 2014

September is National Life Insurance Awareness Month—a month
that allows us to reflect on all the reasons for having life insurance. Life
insurance helps us build a strong foundation for life.

Your wedding day is one of the biggest milestones in your
life. Young, married couples can be considered to be the most in need of life
insurance. As you build your lives together, you may find yourselves
accumulating large amounts of debt in the form of a mortgage, car payments,
credit card bills and more. Should something happen to you or your partner, one
or the other may become saddled with all this debt alone. The need for adequate
life insurance becomes even more critical as your family grows.

Benefits from a properly funded life insurance policy can
save lives, protect businesses and beneficiaries from debt, pay off mortgages
and most importantly, help provide comfort and peace of mind for those left
behind.. As part of your overall financial strategy, life insurance can be used
to accumulate dollars for your children’s college education, supplement your
own retirement and also provide a source of cash in case of emergencies.

This September, I’d like to help you build a strong
foundation for life. Regards,

Ryan Hawkins

Life insurance products contain fees, such as
mortality and expense charges, and may contain restrictions, such as surrender
periods. Policy loans and withdrawals may create an adverse tax result in the
event of a lapse or policy surrender, and will reduce both the cash value and
death benefit. Please keep in
mind that the primary reason to purchase a life insurance product is the death
benefit.

Homeowner's insurance basics Protecting your investment is what homeowners insurance and other insurance policies are all about. Coverage varies widely as do costs. Take time to shop rates and terms. Being over-insured can be as costly as being under-insured is risky.

While most lenders will require you to take out homeowners, or hazard, insurance before they approve your loan, you should be thinking anyway about how to protect the home you've just purchased. Most buyers get a comprehensive homeowners insurance policy, which provides coverage for fire damage, water damage (not by flooding, which is covered by federal flood insurance), personal possessions, personal liability, vandalism, theft, and loss of use of the house.

The Cadillac of insurance policies is guaranteed replacement cost coverage, which will pay to rebuild your home even if the cost to rebuild exceeds your policy limit. This kind of coverage costs about from $400 too well in excess of $1,000 a year, depending on the area and the price of the home. But even if you can afford it, it is not available everywhere or for every property--older homes, for example. Some big insurance companies also have started limiting the amount they will pay on a claim to 120 percent of the policy's face value.

Straight replacement cost coverage, or cash value coverage, is a cheaper and more limited option (about 25 percent less per year than guaranteed replacement coverage). It will pay to rebuild your house if it's destroyed, but coverage is limited to the policy amount. Make certain you're insured for enough to rebuild.

Special coverageIn addition to regular homeowners insurance, you may require special coverage for such hazards as earthquakes and floods. While California is targeted for earthquake coverage, at least 16 other states are considered at risk for quakes: Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New York, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. Earthquake coverage can be costly ($2 to $15 per every $1,000 of coverage), but you should consider it if you live near a fault or your home is more than 50 years old and/or built on a slope, landfill or flood plain. If you live in flood-prone areas, you may need flood insurance, too, because water damage from dams and waterways is not included in standard homeowners policies. Available through the federal National Flood Insurance Program, an average policy runs about $300 a year.

Get ready for more questionsInsurance representatives must have certain information about you and the property before they can tell you if they will write a policy and how much it will cost. They'll want to know your Social Security number, the age and location of the home you want to buy, proximity of fire stations, and the age and condition of the plumbing and electrical systems. The insurance company will also want to make sure that you're a good risk. If you've previously filed claims, or you're frequently late paying your bills, you may be denied coverage.

Don't wait to shopMany buyers put off buying insurance until the last minute. This can cost you in time and money. Start shopping for insurance as soon as you sign the purchase contract. Otherwise you could be caught short if the insurance carrier you have in mind refuses to insure your home Some insurance carriers, for example, won't insure homes that are built on slopes or have shake roofs or antiquated electrical systems.

Cut Your Insurance Costs

Get quotes from three insurance companies. Compare rates and ask about package plans that may be offered at reduced prices.

Increase the policy's deductible amount. The deductible is the amount you are expected to pay on a claim.

Ask about discounts for new homes or homes with a security system, deadbolt locks and smoke alarms.

Check with your car insurance carrier. Not only is this a good option if you're having trouble getting homeowners insurance, but the company may give you a discount for having both policies with them.

Estimate Your Rebuilding CostSome insurance agents estimate low on the cost to rebuild a home. This may save you on premiums, but it could leave you underinsured. Here is one formula for estimating the amount of replacement coverage you'll need:

Ask a local builder or knowledgeable real estate agent how much it costs per square foot to rebuild in your area. This figure can vary significantly from one location to the next.

Find out the approximate square footage of the home you're buying. Your appraisal will include the square footage.

Multiply the two figures. That's the approximate amount of insurance coverage you'll need.

Quick TakeHome buyers often get pitched on buying mortgage life insurance, which does one thing: Pay off the lender in the event of your death. This is not always advisable, especially if the interest rate on the loan is low and you have survivors who may need the mortgage for tax reasons. Instead, increase your regular life insurance coverage so that any proceeds after your death can be invested to provide enough money for your survivors to continue paying the loan.

Call Hawkins Insurance & Financial Services in League City at 832-554-7388 or visit us at www.ryaninsuresme.com. I have "A" rated Insurance Companies that WANT your business and offer VERY competitive rates.

Saturday, February 22, 2014

That’s why there’s life insurance
Life can take unexpected, unpredictable turns. Toward the amusing. The annoying. And, unfortunately, even
the tragic. So every day, you take little steps to improve the odds that good things will happen and to guard
against the bad. You wear seatbelts. You lock your doors when you leave home. You buy life insurance for
the same kind of reason — to protect your family financially. It ensures that your loved ones will have the
kind of lifestyle and opportunities you always hoped they’d have, even if you’re not here. Will your family
be OK when life happens?

Thursday, February 20, 2014

You’ve worked hard to build your business. At times it may seem to consume your
life. Do you have a continuation plan in place? And are you prepared should an
unexpected death occur?Life insurance helps protect your business
by preparing you for the unexpected.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

New
babies can change your life. And increase your need for life insurance. From daycare to college tuition, costs continue to rise
year after year. If something should happen to you or your partner, would
your family be taken care of?

It’s called Life Insurance, but it could just as easily be labeled Love Insurance. Buying life insurance is really an expression of love. It lets loved ones know that you care so much that you’ve made plans to provide for their well-being…even after you’re gone.

So if protecting the ones you love is important to you, please spend a few minutes reviewing the information below. It explains who needs life insurance and provides tools to help you determine how much and what kind might be right for you.

You want your loved ones to have lives filled
with happiness, comfort and opportunities,
and you work very hard to make that
happen. But what would happen to your
family’s quality of life if you were suddenly
gone and no longer able to provide for
them? What would your legacy to them be?
Would they be able to make ends meet financially with you no longer in
the picture? Could they continue to live in your home? Would a college
education be possible for your children? In short, would the legacy you
leave be one of financial hardship or financial security?
The choice is yours. Maybe you’ve been diligently saving money for
many years and already have enough put away to guarantee a financially
secure future for your loved ones. But if you’re like most people,
you probably haven’t reached all of your long-term savings goals yet.
That’s where life insurance comes in. When you’ve done the proper life
insurance planning, you can rest easy knowing that your loved ones will
be provided for after you’re gone.
To find out more about how life insurance can help you leave a legacy
of love and financial security, visit www.lifehappens.org, the website
of the nonprofit LIFE Foundation. It explains who needs life insurance
and provides tools to help you determine how much and what kind of
life insurance might be right for you

The survey found that the most common blunders made
while traveling are:

•driving away with the steps extended;

•backing into something;

•misjudging overhead or side clearance space;

•not connecting taillights correctly; and

•running out of gas.

The survey found that 53 percent of RVers spend a
month or more each year traveling the open road, and 42 percent travel more
than 500 miles per trip.

Traveling the open road in an RV can be a great
adventure, but sometimes it gets a little bumpy. That’s why RVers were also
asked about their insurance. When mishaps happen, you want to get back on the
road fast—ideally with all of your passengers on board.

Although mishaps can sometimes be funny, they can also
lead to costly damages. Simply adding your RV to your auto policy can leave you
woefully underprotected. It’s important to know what coverages are available to
adequately protect yourself and your vehicle.

“There are huge differences in coverage and services
from companies that specialize in RV insurance,” says Cathy Pelfrey, RV product
manager at Progressive. “Check with your local independent insurance agent or
do research online so that you buy the policy and coverages that are right for
you.”

. For more information on
specialized RV coverages, visit Hawkins Insurance, visit www.ryaninsuresme.com or call us at 832.554.7388.

When you think about the month of February, it’s normal to think of red and pink, heart-shaped chocolates and, of course, Valentine’s Day. But it can also be the month that you think about providing those closest to you with a gift of love. A gift of life insurance says “I love you” today – and always.
Too often, people view life insurance as only a burdensome monthly premium. They forget that benefits from life insurance policies can save lives and businesses, pay off mortgages, protect loved ones from debt and, most importantly, help provide peace of mind to those you might leave behind.
This is the time when you can start thinking about how to protect your loved ones. I’d like to help you with this. I will call you in the next week to arrange for a time to visit about how giving the gift of life insurance can help protect your loved ones in the years to come.
Hawkins Insurance & Financial Services Group
Office: 2600 South Shore Blvd., Ste 300, League City, TX 77573
Mailing: PO Box 1140, Friendswood, TX 77549
Office: (832)554-7388 | Mobile: (832)541-7388 | Fax: (800) 794-9150
Email: ryan@ryaninsuresme.com
Company Website: www.ryaninsuresme.com
Financial Services Website: www.moneyconcepts.com/rhawkins
Agent License #1567319

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Those lazy days of summer
will be here soon. If you’re like most bikers, you’re gearing up to hit the
open road as soon as warm weather hits.

Before you get your motor
running, be prepared. Call your independent insurance agent to make sure your
policy is in the same great shape as your bike. Specialized coverages will
ensure that you and your bike are properly protected. For more information about motorcycle
insurance with Hawkins Insurance, visit www.ryaninsuresme.com or call us at 832.554.7388.

Sunday, February 9, 2014

You don't
believe in the Loch Ness Monster. You don’t believe your friend caught Jaws
fishing off the Florida
coast. So why do most boaters believe boat insurance covers them wherever they
go?

Progressive
surveyed more than 1,000 boat owners. It uncovered a few insurance myths
floating around. Here's a sample of the findings and the facts behind each:

Myth: Everyone pays more for insurance
because of the hurricanes from a couple of years ago.

Reality:
Even though it’s
believed by 74 percent of respondents, it isn’t true. Boat insurers generally
price policies based on claims in each state. For example, Ohio
customers won't pay more for insurance because of hurricanes in Florida.

Myth: Boat insurance covers me anywhere
I decide to go boating.

Reality:
Seventy-six
percent of respondents believed this one. The reality is some insurers only
provide coverage where the boat is used most. Insurers may limit coverage to
100 nautical miles of your home port. Progressive provides coverage virtually
anywhere you decide to go in the continental U.S.
and Canada.

Myth: I’ll get a better insurance rate
if I buy from the same company that insures my home or car.

Reality:
Buying more than
one product from the same insurance company doesn't mean you get the best rate
– even though 45 percent of respondents thought so. Boaters can save by
shopping around and combining specialized policies from different companies.

"It’s
important to understand what’s available," said Dominic Mediate of
Progressive. "You want to be properly protected in case your boat is
stolen, you get into an accident or contents are damaged. We’re separating fact
from fiction so boaters can make the best insurance decisions possible."

For more information about boat insurance with Hawkins Insurance, visit www.ryaninsuresme.com or call us at 832.554.7388.

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Before you take your motorcycle
on the road or put your boat on the water, it may pay to be certain your
insurance is ship-shape.

Motorcycles and boats are often
significant investments, and the right insurance policy can help protect them. Here
are a few tips, courtesy of Hawkins Insurance

·Evaluate your
specific needs. Insuring a boat or a motorcycle is different than insuring your
car or home. A specialized motorcycle policy, for instance, can provide
coverage for custom paint jobs and aftermarket equipment that might not be covered
if the bike were just added to a generic auto policy.

·Similarly, a
specialized boat policy could cover things like the cost to replace lost or
damaged fishing gear and costly services such as emergency on-water towing and
fuel-spill cleanup. You probably wouldn’t get this coverage by adding a boat to
a homeowner’s policy.

·Consult with an independent agency – like Hawkins Insurance. Unlike “captive” agents who represent only one company,
independent insurance agents and brokers are licensed insurance professionals
who represent several companies. They can offer you a variety of coverages,
review and evaluate your policies, suggest new coverage options that meet your
changing needs and answer your questions.

“An independent insurance agent
or broker can make sure you have the specialized coverage you need to protect
your boat or bike,” said Jim Lloyd, of the Progressive Group of Insurance
Companies. “Some insurance companies provide only bare-bones protection for
your boat or motorcycle by simply adding it onto your existing auto or homeowner’s
policy, but independent agents and brokers can review and evaluate your needs
to help match you with the company that will provide you with the combination
of specialized coverage, service and price that’s best for you.”

To learn more about Progressive
Boat and Motorcycle insurance, contact Hawkins Insurance or visit www.ryaninsuresme.com or call us at
832.554.7388.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Saving 5
cents a gallon on gas is great. But, if you have to drive 20 minutes to get to
the station, is it really a savings? If a deal costs you valuable time, it’s
not a deal at all. The same holds true with auto insurance.

Bargain-basement
policies can gobble up your time if you have to file a claim. You can spend up
to four days calling repair shops, getting estimates and arranging for a rental
car.

Remember,
insurance isn’t just about price. It’s about service, too. The concierge level of claims
service offered by Progressive can cut the claims/repair process from four days
to only 15 minutes.

“You may
think the most stressful part of being involved in an accident is the crash
itself. But, that’s just the beginning,” said Craig Moore with Progressive.
“We’ve come up with an easy, time-saving way to manage repairs.”

Simply
drop off the damaged vehicle at a service center and a claims representative
handles the entire claims/repair process for you. Repairs are guaranteed for as
long as you own or lease your vehicle.

Here’s how
the concierge level of claims service works:

• Report the claim. Call
or go online to report the claim. A claims rep will schedule a time to bring
your vehicle to the service center.

• Drop off and go. In
about 15 minutes, you can be on your way in a rental car. Your rep prepares an
estimate and then contacts a repair shop. When the work is finished, the
vehicle is returned to the service center.

• Pick up your vehicle. You’re
contacted when the vehicle is ready. You inspect the repairs and leave with a
written guarantee on the work.

Think about all aspects of insurance before you buy,
especially the time you’ll spend if you have a claim. For more information, http://www.ryaninsuresme.comor call us at 832.554.7388.

New car shopping can be a lot of
fun, especially if you’re a car enthusiast. But others can find the experience
stressful and tedious. Either way, there’s a lot to think about. According to a
survey of car shoppers, overall purchase price is the most important factor
when shopping for a new car (46 percent), followed by make and model (31
percent).

Safety and performance come in a
distant third, tied at seven percent. But whether you’re turned on or turned
off by the dizzying array of car choices, trim options, “expert” reviews,
incentives and other deals, it definitely pays to approach car buying
strategically.

So if you’re in the market for a
new vehicle and you find yourself having trouble keeping a clear head, just
keep these strategies, courtesy of Hawkins Insurancein mind:

1. Decide how much money you can
spend and what type of vehicle best suits your needs. Just looking for the
basic transport capability of a small or medium sedan? Or do you need the hauling
capacity of a van or SUV? Something practical? Something sporty? Something in
between?

2. Research crash tests and
accident data available from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

3. Shop around for financing. If
you can, apply for and get approval for a loan from a bank, credit union or
other financier before you even visit the dealership. Being a “cash buyer”
gives you an advantage when you do finally meet with the dealership’s financing
person.

4. Test drive the car. Try to
drive in conditions that will be similar to those under which you’ll drive
every day.

5. Check pricing for your
desired make and model at two or three dealerships and use that information to
help you negotiate the best deal.

6. Get a firm quote, in writing.
This should include not only the cost of the car, but any fees and the sales
tax.

7. Inspect your new car carefully
before driving off the lot. Make sure all the options you’ve ordered are
included and that the body and paint are free of scratches or dents.

Finally, it’s important to consider
the cost of auto insurance, although it seems that few people realize that what
they pay for insurance can add significantly to the vehicle’s total cost.

Wise car buyers know to shop
around for insurance and find out how costs compare. They also know to visit an
independent insurance agency – like Hawkins Insurance. We can check with several companies to find the best
combination of coverage and price.

To get a Progressive quote with Hawkins Insurance,
visit www.ryaninsuresme.com or call us at
832.554.7388.

Monday, February 3, 2014

It can be easier than you think
to put the brakes on high auto insurance rates – as an independent agency, Hawkins Insurancecan help! We can review your policy and
possibly help you find a variety of illuminating ways to save money. Here are
some things you may want to consider:

• Ask us to check several
companies’ rates. This is the single most important thing you can do to get the
best possible rate—and wecan do it for you quickly and easily. The difference
between the highest and lowest rate available to you from different companies
could vary by hundreds of dollars.

• Reduce or drop physical damage
coverage on an older car. Depending on your car’s age and where you live,
comprehensive and collision coverage may not be worth keeping. We can give you
advice on whether it makes sense to reduce or drop this coverage altogether.

• Raise your deductible. According
to the Insurance Information Institute, raising your deductible from $200 to
$500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive cost by 15 to 30 percent. In
addition, because the average driver files a collision claim only once every
ten years, odds are that over the lifetime of your car, a higher deductible
will save you money. We can show you how raising your deductible will lower
your premium.

• Look for discounts. Many
insurance companies reduce premiums for certain driver traits or car features.
For example: being a homeowner for more than three years, nonsmoker,
nondrinker, students with good grades, senior citizens who have taken an
approved defensive driving course, people who only drive for pleasure, cars
kept in garages, antilock brakes, antitheft devices, air bags, etc. Ask us to
check.

• Don’t assume having your car
and home insured by the same company is the best option. Because auto insurance
rates vary so much from company to company, it may make sense for you to have
your car and home insured by separate companies. Let’s talk about it.

With
vacation season in full swing, you may be in the process of planning an annual
getaway. While most people spend lots of time looking for ways to maximize their
budget, one costly decision is often left to the last minute—whether to buy the
optional insurance offered by a rental car company.

“Deciding
whether to buy ‘damage waivers’ or insurance at the rental car counter can be a
confusing experience—especially if you don’t know if you’re already covered by your
personal auto insurance policy,” said Rick Crawley of the Progressive Group of Insurance
Companies. “Optional rental car insurance can cost between $7 and $25 per day,
depending on the rental car company, vehicle make and model and type of waiver.
Those daily charges can significantly add to the cost of your rental.”

Follow
these three tips, courtesy of Hawkins Insurance, to
help you decide whether or not you should buy the coverage:

1.
Consult with an independent
insurance agency – like Hawkins Insurance. As licensed insurance professionals,
independent insurance agents and brokers can review and evaluate your policies
to find out if the coverage you have on your personal vehicle provides
protection for you in a rental car.

2.
Check with your credit card company. Some credit card companies provide coverage
at no charge if you use their card to charge the cost of the rental. However, some
restrictions may apply so be sure to ask for a description of the exact
coverages provided.

3.
Take your personal auto insurance policy and details of your coverages with you
to the rental car counter. You may be asked a question that these papers can
help answer—or, if you’re in doubt, you’ll have your agent’s name and phone
number readily available. “We want people to have the information they need to
make more informed decisions about car insurance,” said Crawley.

“Knowing
whether you need to buy additional coverage can save you money and give you
peace of mind so you can enjoy your vacation. Don’t start off your trip questioning
your decisions—take control by talking with your independent agent or broker
and knowing the answers to those inevitable questions.”

To learn more about all an independent agency offers, visit www.ryaninsuresme.com
or give us a call.

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Using the right tool for a job is key to success in any
profession. Experts say the same principle applies when selecting an auto
insurance policy. Having the right type of policy can help ensure that you, your
employees and your business are all protected in the unfortunate event that one
of your vehicles is involved in an accident.

If you’re a business owner and you or your employees use a
vehicle for business-related deliveries or to carry certain materials to and
from a job site, you may need a commercial auto insurance policy that’s
tailored to more closely suit the needs—and risks—of a business vehicle
operator.

Here are some questions that can help you determine if you
might need a commercial auto policy instead of a personal auto policy, courtesy
of Hawkins
Insurance:

• Do you need more liability coverage than your personal
auto policy provides? Generally, a commercial auto policy provides higher
limits of liability, but less or no coverage in areas that are typically not
associated with commercial auto risks.

• Do you need special coverage for situations associated
with con-ducting business? Commercial auto policies also usually offer certain
coverages—such as hired and non-owned auto coverage and coverage for towing a
trailer for business use—that are not available with personal auto policies.

• Do you need to list any employees as drivers? You can do
this with a commercial auto insurance policy.

• Do you use your vehicle for business purposes? If you use
your vehicle for things like pizza or newspaper delivery, catering,
door-to-door consulting service, landscaping or snowplowing service, logging
business, day care/church retreat van service and/or farm-to-market delivery,
you might need a commercial auto policy.

Hawkins Insuranceis an
independent insurance agency – trained, licensed insurance professionals who
offer personal service and advice. We can help match you with the type of
policy that best suits your needs and those of your company.

To learn more about all an independent agency offers, visit www.ryaninsuresme.com
or give us a call.

A business is only as safe as the tools it uses. One
of the best tools a business can use to protect its assets is commercial auto
insurance.

Understanding insurance can be tricky. One of the
first steps toward making an informed decision is to understand coverage and
service options. Here are three easy steps to help figure out your commercial
auto insurance needs:

1. Choose an
insurer with the right combination of price and service. Insurance isn’t just
about price. It’s about service, too. How are claims handled? How long will it
take to get your vehicle back on the road? Can you get questions answered
outside of business hours or online? Know the answers to these questions. Your
time is money.

2. Research
your policy options. Having the right coverage is important. A standard
commercial auto policy generally includes coverage for:

•injuries or damage that you cause;

•your driver’s injuries;

•injuries and damages caused by uninsured or
underinsured drivers; and

•damage to or theft of your vehicle(s).

When it comes to damage that you cause, you may be
required to purchase certain limits based on who you work for. For instance, if
you work for certain home builders, you may be required to carry $1 million in
liability limits. Consider how much you are willing to pay out of pocket if
your liability in an accident is more than your policy limits.

3. Know how
the policy is priced. You can control your insurance costs. To get the best
rates, run motor vehicle reports on potential drivers. If you let your
insurance lapse, you’ll probably pay more for your next policy. Ask about
discounts, including paid-in-full and renewal discounts.

Just
like your customers rely on your professional skills, call a professional independent
insurance agent who will be in your corner, researching and recommending the
best options.

“Commercial auto insurance is complicated, but it is
vital to protecting your livelihood,” says Bill Kampf with The Progressive
Group of Insurance Companies, one of the largest commercial auto insurers in
the country.

A carpet of fresh snow can be heartwarming when viewed from
indoors in front of a roaring fireplace. But for a trucker, that beautiful
landscape can mean treacherous roadways.

To prepare for brutal winter weather, here are a few tips
from Bill Kampf, Progressive Commercial Auto general manager, to help protect
against harm to you or your truck this season:

1. Pull together a winter survival kit for
yourself… – Make sure your truck is fully stocked with everything you might
need so a stall-out or breakdown doesn’t leave you stranded. Key items to include: a shovel, battery
booster cables, ice scraper/snow brush, flashlight with extra batteries, and a
space blanket to help prevent heat loss from a person’s body. Additional items might include extra pairs of
dry socks and gloves, energy bars or other non-perishable food, bottled water and
spare fully-charged cell phone batteries.

2. …AND your truck – Before the cold weather
hits, equip your truck with new winter windshield wiper blades as well as
winterized washer fluid and fuel. Also make sure that your tires, headlights,
cooling system and battery are all in good shape. With all of these
precautions, both you and your vehicle will be ready for any snow, hail, black
ice or below freezing temperature that you might face out on the open road.

3.Slow down –
Give yourself more time to react if something occurs in the road ahead.
Compensate for poor traction by driving slower and making all changes slowly
and gently.

4. Give yourself extra space in front and behind - To stay out of
harm's way in a sudden emergency, increase the distance between you and other
vehicles and avoid driving in packs. Normal following distances should be
increased to 8-10 seconds when driving on icy, slippery surfaces.

Look further ahead in traffic than normal to get a
split-second extra to react safely. Awareness of other drivers can go a long
way this time of year.

5.Keep an eye on the temperature – Be alert to potentially
dangerous road conditions. Touch the front of your outside mirror to see if ice
is forming. If it’s forming on your mirrors, it’s forming on the road too. Be
especially cautious when crossing bridges and overpasses where ice often forms
first.

7. Be ready for the unexpected – No matter
how cautious you are, you still need a safety net on the road. Specialized
insurance coverages and services designed specifically for truck owners and
operators are offered by commercial insurers like Progressive.

Check with your insurance company to see what they
offer. Make sure your policy has tailored
solutions that meet the unique needs of you and your business, including:

oCargo Coverage to protect againstdamage or loss due to theft, fire,
collision and hitting or running over cargo. Progressive’s Cargo Coverage
includes no co-insurance penalty, no exclusion of coverage if a vehicle is left
unattended, and no reduction in coverage limits for items such as electronic
equipment.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Ever mowed a lawn in January? Or plowed a snowy driveway on
a hot July day? If you own and operate a seasonal business, chances are you
aren't working in the off-season, so the insurance you carry should be
different than what you carry in-season.

Leading commercial auto insurers like Progressive offer
seasonal insurance for businesses like landscapers, snowplow drivers, ice cream
truck owners, and more. These coverages allow you to customize your commercial
auto insurance based on when your business is running on all cylinders — and
when it's not.

Progressive offers these tips for getting the most out of
your policy in the off-season:

If
your vehicle will be parked during the off-season, you may think you
should cancel that vehicle's insurance during that time. But if you’d like
to protect your vehicle and still save a little money, just switch your
insurance to a Comprehensive-only policy. This will give you basic
protection against incidents like vandalism, theft, falling tree branches
and hail.

A Comprehensive-only policy also gives you the bonus of having continuous
insurance coverage. If you drop your insurance completely, you may pay
significantly more to get a new policy when in-season rolls around because
most insurance companies want to see proof of continuous coverage.

If
you plan to drive your work truck or other vehicles for personal use
during the off-season, let your insurance carrier know. They can adjust
your policy to reflect personal use, which can be less expensive while
still providing coverage.

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 19, 2013—A new national survey reveals consumers have an alarming lack of knowledge about their own insurance coverage. As the new year approaches, Trusted Choice® and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) say consumers should resolve to get their insurance coverage in order. The independent survey conducted for Trusted Choice® and the Big “I” found that more than one-third, an alarming 38% of respondents, said they have never conducted their own research prior to purchasing an insurance policy. Almost 40% of respondents said they were not confident or only somewhat confident that they have adequate and appropriate insurance coverage for their needs.“It’s critical that consumers understand the basics of protecting their family, home and property,” says Robert Rusbuldt, Big “I” president and CEO. “This survey shows that many Americans may not even realize they are vulnerable to serious losses. A lot can happen in a year. The start of a new year is a perfect time to dust off your insurance policies and review them thoroughly.” Since there are so many types of insurance available today, consumers should sit down with a reputable insurance professional to help sort through the confusion. The new survey also found that more than one-third of policyholders have not met with or even talked to their insurance agent within the last year.“Keeping your agent updated on changes in your family or to your property is crucial to your financial security,” says Madelyn Flannagan, Big “I” vice president of agent development, research and education. “A new baby, marriage, divorce, death, home renovation or a major purchase could significantly impact your insurance needs and costs.” This broad lack of understanding can lead to serious and expensive insurance coverage mistakes. Trusted Choice® independent insurance agents identify the following as some of the most common errors they see.Mistake 1: Not Knowing Your Limits.Trusted Choice® agents report that too many customers don’t know the limits of their insurance coverage and don’t understand how inexpensive it can be to increase them. This is especially true regarding liability coverage. “The limits of your policy dictate how much coverage you actually have,” explains Rusbuldt. “For example, an independent agent can increase the liability limits on a typical homeowners policy from $100,000 to $300,000 a year for as little as about $25 annually.” Not enough consumers have separate umbrella liability policies which can provide $1,000,000 of protection a year for as little as $130.In fact, the new survey says only 29% of respondents considered coverage limits, or the amount of coverage, the most important criteria when selecting an insurance policy. Your coverage limits deserve a closer look.Mistake 2: Disregarding Discounts.A previous study by Trusted Choice® and the Big “I” showed that many consumers don’t take advantage of all the discounts that may be available to them.“Many consumers foolishly throw money away because they fail to ask about insurance discounts for which they may qualify,” continued Flannagan. “Companies often offer some unique, regional, very specific and, at times, quirky discounts. When every dollar counts, some may be able to nickel and dime their way to big savings.”Companies often have discounts on homeowners insurance for installing a security system, living in a gated community, updating the roof and/or wiring in a house, and remaining claim-free. Some of the more unusual discounts on auto insurance include discounts for teen drivers with good grades, graduating from certain colleges or universities, or carpooling. In addition, many companies are offering significant new discounts within the last five years that consumers may be unaware of. Check with your agent to see if any apply to you. These discounts can make a substantial difference in premium costs.Mistake 3: You Can’t Take It With You: Consider Insurance in Estate Planning. While your family gathers together for the holidays, it may be a good time to discuss your estate and final wishes. Many people put their homes in trusts as part of their estate planning but fail to tell the agent that the trust owns the home. In those cases, the home is no longer insured since the owner is not on the policy. This can create major problems at the time of a claim. Also, in order to avoid a larger estate tax bite, people sometimes don’t list valuables or collectibles as part of their estate. But these items require special coverage beyond a standard homeowners policy, or they won’t be insured. If there is a loss on these items, your heirs won’t be compensated and will be deprived of part of the gift you intend to make to them. Making certain that everything is properly documented--and insured--is crucial to guaranteeing that your final wishes are executed after your death.Mistake 4: Not Assessing Your Biggest Asset.Too often, people do not properly protect their biggest asset—their home! That leaves them vulnerable to devastating losses. This is particularly true with regard to a change of occupancy. Selling, renting or leaving your home for an extended period directly changes the terms and conditions of your coverage. When there is a loss, your insurance company can deny the claim because you are no longer in control of what happens to your home. That could cost you everything. Homeowners should check with an agent to learn the time limit on vacancy or change of occupancy before it alters or cancels the terms of the policy. In addition, not having certain specialty coverage could cost homeowners dearly. Failure to purchase sewer and drain back up insurance, flood insurance, earthquake insurance, ordinance or law coverage, or to adjust coverage as property improvements are made could have detrimental consequences in the event of a disaster. Keep your agent apprised of any and all changes regarding your home, no matter how minor they seem. Mistake 5: Taking the Cheapest Route. The survey found that 25% of respondents thought price was the most important criteria when selecting an insurance policy. While price should be a factor in insurance decisions, choosing coverage based on price alone could ultimately be a costly mistake. Insurance policies differ widely, with varying deductibles, coverage limits and exclusions. Alarmingly, about 61% of survey respondents said they were only somewhat familiar or not familiar with the details of their insurance policies.A Trusted Choice® agent can help you choose the coverage that best suits you and can help you evaluate your insurance needs. The survey was conducted for Trusted Choice® via telephone by International Communications Research (ICR); an independent research company in Media, Pa. Interviews of a nationally representative sample of 930 U.S. households were conducted in November 2013. More information about ICR can be obtained at http://www.icrsurvey.com.For more information on the survey results, costly insurance mistakes or to request an interview with a national spokesperson or local insurance agent in your area, please contact Sue Nester (broadcast), (703) 706-5448,susan.nester@iiaba.net or Margarita Tapia (print) at (703) 706-5374, margarita.tapia@iiaba.net.Trusted Choice® educates consumers about the benefits of using independent agents and brokers for their insurance needs: choice of companies, customized policies and advocacy support. Trusted Choice® is the consumer marketing identity for more than 25,000 independent insurance agencies and brokerage firms and 70 leading company partners. For more information or to find a Trusted Choice® agent, go to www.TrustedChoice.com.Founded in 1896, the Big “I” is the nation’s oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing a network of approximately a quarter of a million agents, brokers and their employees nationally. Its members are businesses that offer customers a choice of policies from a variety of insurance companies. Independent agents and brokers offer all lines of insurance—property, casualty, life, health, employee benefit plans and retirement products. Web address:www.independentagent.com.